Sotiraq Hroni is a former Albanian diplomat, an adviser to Albanian Prime Minister (1997), and adviser to the President of the Republic of Albania until the end of 1999. Mr. Hroni is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM), a non-governmental organization that over time developed into a think tank organization actively contributing to reforms and development processes in Albania.

Since its establishment, Mr. Hroni’s main responsibility has been with the overall management and development of the organization. His continuous commitments stand with offering relevance to IDM’s strategic development with the country’s development priorities. Mr. Hroni’s contribution rests also in continuous efforts to strengthen the organization institutionally, build a team of like-minded individuals, and jointly lead result-oriented processes in each of IDM’s programmatic areas. Currently, IDM operates in four different research areas including Governance, Security, EU and the Balkans, and Local Governance & Integrated Development.

Through his vision, Mr. Hroni has led the organization’s efforts to grow and achieve a merit-based identity in the civil society market in the country and the region. Moreover, he has built efficient cooperation and partnerships with public and private institutions, which have sustained and grown over the years. This has led IDM to enjoy a credible and remarkable reputation in Albanian society.

Rovena Sulstarova is the Manager of the Governance Program. Additionally, Rovena is IDM’s in-house legal expert that assists with legislation and judiciary-related projects.

Her work experiences include leading positions in public administration and educational institutions and in the management of donor financed projects and programs in the education field. She has held different senior positions in the public administration, including the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Education and Science. Rovena has been a member of the Administration Council of University of Tirana, and has lectured on law and education in public and private universities. She currently teaches education law and policies at the Faculty of Social Sciences of University of Tirana.

Rovena holds a MSc in Law and a M.A in European Studies from the University of Tirana. She received her PhD in Education from the University of Tirana and she holds the title of attorney from the Albanian Bar Association.

Rovena is fluent in English and Italian, and speaks German at a basic level.

Selected publications:

Vurmo, Gj., Sulstarova, R & Dafa, A. (2021) “Deconstructing State capture in Albania: an examination of the Grand Corruption cases and Tailor-Made laës from 2008 to 2020”’.

Transparency International; https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/deconstructing-state-capture-in-albania-an-examination-of-grand-corruption-cases-and-tailor-made-laws-from-2008-to-2020

Sulstarova, R, Kasmi, J. (2021) “’Guarding the guardians: parliamentary oversight of independent institutions in Albania”’. Institute for Democracy and Mediation. https://idmalbania.org/guarding-the-guardians-parliamentary-oversight-of-independent-institutions-in-albania/

Sulstarova,R.., Kuci, B., and Agolli, M.(2021) “”Corruption and Integrity in Albania state police 3:00” Tirana :IDM. https://idmalbania.org/report-police-integrity-and-corruption-in-albania-3-0/

Sulstarova, R (2020) “’Integrity Risk Methodology for the Central Government”. Tirana: IDM. https://idmalbania.org/ëp-content/uploads/2021/01/Police-Integrity-Report_3.pdf

Sulstarova,R.., Xhaho, A., and Agolli, M.(2020). Monitoring Report on Police Vetting Process. Tirana: IDM

Sulstarova, R (2017) “Implementation of Bologna Process in Albania 2007-2015” Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 8 (5): 53-59.

Sulstarova,R.., Kuci, B., Qirjazi, R and Agolli, M.(2019). “Report on assessment of state police ethics and integrity” ’. Institute for democracy and Mediation. https://idmalbania.org/assessment-report-on-state-police-ethics-and-integrity-june-2019/

Aliaj, Besnik & Sulstarova Rovena (2008) “Një platformë për edukimin politik në Shqipëri” ( A platform on political education in Albania). Tirana: Institute for Democracy and Reforms.

Sulstarova, R. (2012). The Legal Reform in Higher Education Facing the Exigencies of Albanian Society, Social Studies 6 (3): 75-82.

Besjana Kuci works as a Project Manager and researcher at the IDM.

Ms. Kuci holds a M.Sc. in Political Theory and a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Tirana.

Over the last five years, Ms. Kuci has successfully managed projects on police integrity, strengthening of civil society and public sector approach to anti-corruption.

Ms. Kuci’s areas of interest include public institutions transparency and anti-corruption policies. Also, she has extensive experience in youth trainings on civic engagement activities through online platforms. She is member of the Swedish Institute Alumni Network.

Denisa Shabani is the Head of Finance and Administration at Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and she manages the budget of 24 projects according to three departmental division structure CESA, LGID, RDC.

Before IDM, she has been working for Finance since October 2007 for international organizations, namely UNDP Albania and UN Women as a Program Finance Associate. She is an expert user of ATLAS financial system and this working experience has helped her to gain extensive knowledge in various duties including financial management of programs and project planning, budgeting, evaluation and monitoring process; preparation of quarterly basis financial statements.

Her responsibilities include certification of transactions for accuracy and propriety before submission to the supervisor for approval and action; analysis and interpretation of the financial rules and regulations and provision of advice and recommendations to a wide range of financial issues, etc.

She has assisted in 7 projects funded by the EU, Regional Research Promotion Programme funded by the University of Fribourg, Monitoring and Decentralization projects funded by the Swiss Embassy in Tirana, Regional project funded by SNSF, USAID, UNDP, BTD, Berghof Foundation, etc.

Denisa has an MA and BA in Business Administration.

Greta holds the position of Human Resources, Procurement Officer & Event Management. at the Institute for Democracy and Mediation. She oversees the recruitment process, including job posting, screening applications, interviewing candidates, and issuing offer letters. Coordinate the staff recruitment process ensuring alignment with the organization’s needs and values.

Assist in the development of procurement plans and ensure alignment with project requirements and budgets in collaboration with Project managers and Finance Manager. She is responsible for IDM events and handles all the details needed for Conferences, meetings and other events.

Before joining IDM, Greta worked in the accounting office for two years. She was responsible for Purchase Book, Sales Book, VAT declaration in the tax system of Albania, declaration of new employees, declaration of withholding tax, and Finance 5 Program. She also worked as a Joint Teller at Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, she was responsible for bank transactions like cash withdrawal, cash deposit, internal and external transfers, and other banking transactions.

Greta holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration and Social Policy, from University of Tirana, Faculty of Social Sciences and continues her Master of Science in Social Work. During her studies, she has actively participated in different training curricula related to Professional Accounting, Democratic Values and their application in society and was a part of the Voluntary Work in community services.

Romario Shehu is IDM’s security program officer and researcher, focusing on security-related programs and projects. His work centers on security sector governance, violent extremism, organized crime and foreign policy.

He holds a Master of Sciences in International Relations from the University of Tirana and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from Epoka University. He is fluent in Albanian, English, and Turkish.

Romario is an Exchange Alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States; Aspen Fellow – Alumni of Aspen Romania’s 2023 Program; and member of the International Advisory Board at the United Against Hate in Madison, Wisconsin.

Romario joined IDM in 2016 and has contributed to the following publications:

• The 2024 Assessment of Violent Extremism in Albania: Drivers, Forms, and Threats;
• Study report Pandemic management and lessons learned for a more secure future;
• Successfully reintegrating violent extremist offenders;
• Little Black Book of Organised Crime Groups in the Western Balkans;
• Russia and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals;
• Working Paper on enabling environments, drivers, and occurrence/nonoccurrence of violent extremism;
• 2020 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index Albania;
• The status of Violent Extremism in Albania: A national assessment of drivers, forms and threats;
• Falling short of commitments: how Western Balkan governments fight organized crime;
• Mapping civil society responses in confronting organized crime in the Western Balkans;
• 2019 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index Albania;
• Role of Religion in the Western Balkans’ Societies;
• Violent Extremism in Albania;
• Community Perspectives on Combating Violent Extremism in Albania;
• Reconsidering the role of civil society and religious authorities in building community resilience in Albania;
• Next generation Turkey and its foreign policy in the Western Balkans;

Adelina Ormeni is a seasoned finance accounting manager and tax specialist with over 18 years of experience in private business sectors, including professional services, advertising, legal services, and trading. With a robust background in financial reporting, taxation, and financial consultancy.

Since December 2024, Adelina has been expanding her career by working in a non-profit organization, where she continues to leverage her financial expertise while contributing to impactful community initiatives. Her role allows her to bring her strategic financial management skills to the non-profit sector, supporting mission-driven operations with precision and dedication.

Before transitioning to the non-profit field, Adelina worked as a freelance finance accounting manager and tax specialist, assisting small and medium-sized companies with financial reports, annual financial statements, balance sheets, and tax compliance. She also provided tailored financial and accounting consultancy to diverse sectors such as beauty care, restaurants, and advertising agencies.

A graduate of the University of Economy with a degree in Finance, Adelina further advanced her qualifications by pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course at the Certified Public Accountant Institute under the Ministry of Finance. She is proficient in MS Office, ALPHA Business, Financa 5 and QuickBooks bringing a high level of technical skill to her financial expertise.

Fluent in Albanian, English, and Italian, Adelina is recognized for her clarity in communication and problem-solving abilities. Her commitment to excellence and passion for financial consultancy continue to drive her success as a trusted financial and accounting advisor.